Cozy up to the fire as a Christmas obsessed music collector chats about new CDs to his collection, the Christmas music that got away, and links to Christmas music via the web (and the occasional mp3 post).

Thursday, July 31, 2008

1.) 2010 introFeaturing an excerpt from a radio interview I did about my Christmas music collection - the springboard. Ever hear an Arabic version of "Jingle Bells"?

2.) Ronald Reagan - Excerpt from "General Electric Theater"Nothing like a President of the United States to open your Christmas CD, eh?

3.) Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - Christmas Is Starting NowMy kids and I are HUGE Phineas & Ferb fans on Disney Channel. This track was from their first Christmas special.

4.) Stompin' Tom Connors - Merry Christmas Everyone A song that just clicked into this spot - I would have never found it if not for the digitized collection...

5.) Robin Laing - The Man Who Slits The Turkey's Throats At Christmas (Part 1)The album from which this came had been on my wish list for a while - I finally found a copy that didn't require an arm and leg. Glad I got it - this one is probably my favorite Christmas song of the disc.
6.) T. Rex - Christmas Greetings / Christmas BopNot only did I discover an Arabic version of "Jingle Bells" at the new record store in Fort Wayne, I found a new friend in Morrison Agen, the owner/proprietor. You won't find a bigger T. Rex fan in this part of the country so these two tracks were for him.
7.) The Mighty Echoes - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)Perhaps this is why Marc Bolan never released "Christmas Bop" - it's practically a dead ringer for the famous Phil Spector tune.

8.) Excerpt from "Five Easy Pieces" (1970)For years, I've been trying to find something, ANYTHING with Jack Nicholson and Christmas. While folding a load of laundry and listening to this movie on Turner Classic Movies, I finally found a reference.

9.) The Puppini Sisters - All I Want For Christmas Finally - a version of this song that's NOT done by Mariah Carey! Clever re-working of the tune, thanks to the Sisters of the Puppini.

10.) Kay Martin & Her Bodyguards - I Know What You Want For ChristmasThe naughty clever title track - possibly the best song on the album. Kay sings it sly, sets it up beautifully, and the punch line that's delivered at the end of the song caps it all off perfectly (nice choice of breed too!). The kids are older now but still don't realize what she's singing about... bad Captain!

Apparently, between the time I wrote the review for the album and now, Kay Martin passed away. Requiescant in pace, Kay.

11.) Mr. Microphone commercialThe penultimate made-for-TV product. I remember when one of these was passed around at a family party on the south side of Chicago with my cousin Chuck (see track 38).

13.) The Hep Stars - Christmas On My MindI've been trying to find a place on my CDs for years for this one. It finally happened this year in more ways than one (click on the link).

14.) Excerpt from "1966 REMC Gift Record"Found the 1964, 1965, and 1966 copies at a local record show. Similar to the Line Material singles our friend Lee showcases every year at his blog. YouTube has different years of this single online - but I haven't found a 1966 out there. Yet.

15.) The Paris Sisters - The Man With The Mistletoe MustacheI was first introduced to this tune via the wonderful Phil X. Milstein back in 2006. Recorded before their work with Phil Spector (inmate no. 2384920).

16.) Jerry Colonna - Sleigh Bells In The SkyTracked down the 1953 45 single of this and was pleased to discover Professor Colonna not only sings this song but wrote the song as well! Ahhhhhhhh! Something new has been added!

17.) Bob Hope - Christmas Day in Vietnam 1967Jerry Colonna was Hope's sidekick for many years so it made sense to follow Jerry with Bob. I wanna tell ya, that Hope's a funny, funny guy, ain't he wild?

19.) Derrick Roberts - There Won't Be Any Snow (Christmas In The Jungle)Probably one of the most unintentionally hilarious Christmas songs ever produced. You doubt me? Click on the link and try NOT laughing (ignore the images).

20.) Robin Laing - The Man Who Slits The Turkey's Throats At Christmas (Part 2)The song was so good that I broke it into three different parts - one toward the beginning, one here near the middle, and one towards the end of the CD.

21.) Excerpt from "Richard Diamond, Private Detective" (12-24-49)Dick Powell played the singing detective on radio for several years. This clip from their Christmas song was introducing a brand new song at the time entitled...

23.) Go Jimmy Go - The Twelve Days Of Christmas Local StyleA song that has been bounced off the CD about three times in the past five years. One of the first songs chosen this year and locked into place.

29.) Clyde Lasley & The Cadillac Baby Specials - Santa Came Home DrunkA project I didn't work on this year was curating the over 5,000 vintage magazine Christmas ads (most of which are liquor ads) I've collected over the years. This song manages to cram many of the liquor brand names up to 1960, relating the title story.

30.) Dutch Masters Christmas commercial (featuring Ernie Kovacs)Ernie Kovacs is a personal hero and a TV pioneer whose work is sadly overlooked because of the scant amount of his work available. So when something new of Ernie is available, it's always a treat. So when I found this via YouTube, I was estatic since it involved the holidays!
31.) Bill Haley & The Saddlemen - A Year Ago This ChristmasThe things you find once they're organized... the third rediscovered tune features Haley before he met the Comets and "Rock[ed] Around The Clock".

32.) Pink Martini - A Snowglobe ChristmasThis track is dedicated to my friends Joel, Sam, and Maya - all reunited in Denver this Christmas. The lyrics are very appro pro.

33.) Voicedude - Excerpt from "Forget You, Santa (Radio edit)"I used to be a fan of CeeLo's song but when Muppet chickens began singing it in the trailers for the Disney Muppet movie, I officially disavowed being a fan of the song.

34.) Rubber Band - Santa Claus Is Coming To TownThe first Beatle-inspired Christmas CD from 1996, this one mixes elements of "Eight Days A Week" around the Christmas classic!

35.) Tom Teeley - Excerpts from "Beatles Christmas Supermash"Dave Chesler used parts of this on his Christmas CD of last year so I decided to follow suit - thanks Dave!

36.) Robin Laing - The Man Who Slits The Turkey's Throats At Christmas (Part 3)The final installment of this song. I've heard this song close to 200 times now and it still makes me laugh.

38.) Special dedication to Chuck MartinezChuck was my cousin who passed away due to a heart attack; the fifth member on my father's side whose cause of death was heart related. I've lost 60+ pounds since I began shunning the blog two years ago... enough said.

39.) 2011 outroThat's all folks...

Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

1.) 2010 introJust a minute! Taking inspiration from Elliot Lawrence's amazing album (of which "Jingle Bells" is used), my family and I greet you at the door.

2.) The Aussie Singers - Merry Christmas LandThis was one of the first songs I listened to searching my Christmas music collection back in August. The tune has been stuck inside my head ever since. When my children overheard it, they began singing it around the house for months. So why should I suffer alone? Here it is - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

3.) The De John Singers - That's How Santa Claus Will Look This YearFound this 45 single on eBay earlier this year. Another song the kids overheard and fell in love with so it was paired with their other favorite.

5.) Linnzi Zaorski - Shimmy On Down My ChimneyMy friend Stubby included this one on one of his amazing comps last year which prompted me to visit CDBaby to purchase the entire album. Isn't that what Christmas is all about?

6.) Johnny Long & His Orchestra - Jingle Bells (Vocal by Francey Lane and the Ensemble)Purchased at a flea market many moons ago but unable to transfer since my old turntable didn't do 78s, this hip 1947 version of this song transferred easy on the new turntable.
7.) Jimmy Fallon & The Roots - Xmas Medley (Live at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2009)You never know what you'll see at a Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (with the exception of Santa Claus at the end). So when a giant Gibson guitar drove down the street with Jimmy and the Roots, I knew we were in store for something cool.

8.) Aimee Mann - I'll Be Home For ChristmasThis has quickly become my favorite version of this song. Partly because of Aimee, partly because of the song's intro that Aimee chose to sing that other artists delete.

9.) Pink Martini - Do You Hear What I Hear?When I saw their amazing PBS special, I was hooked. Since then, I've been patiently waiting for a December when they would release a Christmas album. It happened this year - it's a fantastic album that you should go get for yourself.

10.) Thomas M. Lauderdale - Holiday Table Decoration DemonstrationTaken from a YouTube video. This guy definitely knows his stuff decking out a table! And I hear he plays a pretty good piano.

11.) Max Raabe & Palast Orchester - O TannenbaumMy friend Mark Handy asked if I had heard about this band's Christmas album. I checked my master spreadsheet, found a single MP3, I listened, I was hooked, and the album was purchased the next day. Great suggestion Mark!

12.) Herman Apple Ses Carillons Et Ses Percussions - Le Bonhomme De Neige (Frosty The Snowman) The perfect follow up to Max & Palast Orchester. And if you haven't listened to this Herman Apple album, click on the link and check it out!

13.) Excerpt from the "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" Holiday SpecialIn a single paragraph of text, Anthony encapsulates the essence of his Christmas episode. Simply brilliant.

14.) Vic Barrel - White ChristmasFound an old scratchy copy near the public turntable at Beverly Records in Chicago. The 45 held up long enough for me to listen (which convinced me to buy it). Thankfully, I found a DJ copy on eBay in exceptional condition for the transfer. One of my best finds of the year.

15.) The J's with Jamie - The Christmas SongWhen this appeared on eBay earlier this year, I figured I had no chance. WFMU alerted everyone to the existence of The J's in 2008 and it immediately went to the top of many collector's lists. Somehow, I won this rather cheaply and their version of Nat's perennial favorite landed here.

16.) Excerpt from ''Miracle On 34th Street'' (1947)The answer to a question that has puzzled the world for centuries. With John Payne and Edmund O'Brien.

17.) Little Cori - An Oscar To SantaFound this at a record show here in Fort Wayne. Puzzling song since they already gave an Academy Award to Santa (see #16 above). Click on the link to see the baffling picture sleeve.

18.) Lynn Carroll & Jeff Palmer Orchestra - Piney, The Tiny Little Christmas TreeWhile we're on the subject of baffling, this 45 discovery tells us the strange story of yet another fictional Christmas character featuring a great Chubby Checker twist beat!

19.) STS-116 Discovery wake-up call (12-22-06)This might have been the final Christmas wake-up call from space (only three Space Shuttle missions left). However, the November 2010 mission was pushed back to a luanch date of December 17, 2010 - the final NASA Christmas for a long time.

21.) Lawrence Welk's Little Band - Outer Space SantaAnother great space-related song that has floated around the web. The perfect follow-up to Gus and Gay.

22.) Excerpt from ''Hot Rods To Hell''This 1967 MGM film (a roadtripping family is hounded by hot-rodders) is one of the most unintentionally funny movies of all time thanks in large part to dependable Dana Andrews. So bad, it's a scream. For my friend Scott Marks out in SD.

23.) Prairie Oyster - Christmas In JailOriginally recorded by The Youngsters in 1956. That version was scheduled to be here until I found this countrified Canadian version that adds its own charm to the song.

24.) Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison - Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk This ChristmasI was never a fan of this song when sung by John Denver. That changed when I heard this version. My kids captured this one for their own as well - I gotta keep them out of the room when I'm listening.

25.) The Wise Men - Grandma Wants Peace / Excerpt from ''The FPT Christmas Revue''Another great quick Christmas tune from Suburban Sprawl tacked on the front of a moment from the revue I helped to stage last Christmas. You had to be there to understand.

26.) Joel Grey - I'm Gonna Put Some Glue Round The Christmas TreeWillkommen, bienvenue, welcome - yeah, that Joel Grey! This song was included in the "FPT Revue" and I was planning on using the Peggy King / Mitch Miller version here until I found this 45 on eBay. Must be heard to be believed.

27.) Carole Harmon - Merry Christmas, My Love, To YouI found several copies of this 45 at a thrift store years ago. This simple, obscure song was cut from the "Revue" due to time (Korean War). Its message is meaningful this year because two special people moved to...

28.) Steve Goodman - Colorado ChristmasGoodman wrote "City of New Orleans" for Arlo Guthrie and this Christmas song for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This song was released posthumously (Steve died of leukemia in 1984) and it's a fitting song for Sam and Maya. Soon Joel :(

29.) Excerpt from "Moonlighting"David and Maddie in yet another debate - this one surrounding Christmas. I wish TVLand would rerun this show again.

30.) Rhoda Scott - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It SnowThe Barefoot Contessa spins out her great rendition of this Christmas classic. I reviewed her full Christmas album an eternity ago - take a read to learn more about Rhoda.

31.) Vic20 - A Marshmallow WorldI love this song but I didn't want a typical version, hence Vic20. I figured if by chance someone had drifted off to sleep while listening to this, this song would be an appropriate wake-up call.

32.) Darius Holbert - Gonna Kick Santa's A@@ (Radio edit)The third and last quick Christmas tune from Suburban Sprawl. Why use a sound clip when a song will do?

33.) Sunshine Ruby - I Wanna Do Something For Santa ClausThis lovely little song was slated to be on the Christmas CD in 2005, 2007, and 2008 but missed the final cut. It finally won a spot on the disc.

34.) Eddy Arnold - I'm Your Private Santa ClausThis rare single as well as Sunshine Ruby were rescued from obscurity by that online Christmas raconteur Ernie (not Bert). This guy never sleeps - thanks for the last two tracks Ern!

35.) Excerpt from ''The BRAT's Holiday Skank (BRAT Holiday Mix)''I was determined not to use Christmas mash-ups this year. Nothing was said about using remixes. BRAT Productions has been doing great holiday mastermixes since 1994 - this is an excerpt from the 1998 mix.

37.) BRAT Productions - The BRAT Sings Christmas Shadow (BRAT Holiday Mix)I rediscovered BRAT's website where a long time ago, I was able to capture the audio from my sound card - not the greatest sound but it was better than installing QuickTunes on the computer. MP3s await...

38.) David Hill (with Ray Martin & His Orchestra) - Christmas In Your HeartA record show find, this forgotten 45 perfectly encapsulates how I feel about the Christmas spirit. What a world this would be if we heed this song's advice.

39.) 1923 WurliTzer 146A Band Organ - Silent NightMaybe not the most elegant, regal, or reverent version of "Silent Night". But the melody takes over and somewhere along the way, you're not minding listening to calliope music.

40.) 2010 outroThat's all folks...

Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

1.) 2009 IntroI took clips from Christmas tapes past to form a special anniversary introduction (with a little help from Barney Rubble on the piano and a trio of singing cops).

2.) Mr. Fab - Little Saint Nick (intro) / DJ BC - You Shook Me All NoelSplicing two different mash-ups into one, it leads off this year's CD with a 1-2 punch.

3.) No Lights On The Xmas Tree Mother / Mojochronic - Whoville (Won't Get Yuled Again)Two clips compose "No Lights": the first is from the movie "The Girl Can't Help It" and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (who used the clip as inspiration for their song).

4.) MARS Production Library - H-906 - Special announcementFrom a set of five Christmas production albums I purchased on eBay several years ago.

5.) Substance W - Good King WenceslasStarts off techno... then goes baroque... slides into country banjo... repeat and mix up those styles until the end. I'm getting a contact high just listening to what they were smoking!

6.) Billy Rancher & The Unreal Gods - Happy Santa ClausPortland band that was on the cusp of going big until lead singer Rancher loses a longtime battle with lymphoma. My favorite 1980s Christmas song of all time. This was last heard on the 2004 Christmas CD.

7.) MJ & BJ Morning Show - Holiday Copyright WarningA quick funny track that I found floating around cyberspace from a one-time duo of morning DJs.

8.) Anonymous - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The YearSent to me at my P.O. Box earlier this year. Click on the link to read the whole story and to download this track as well as another by the same mystery "singer".

10.) Stephen Fry & Jo Brand - Excerpt from "QI"While surfing the YouTube waves one day, I came across hundreds of clips from the BBC comedy quiz show called "QI". It's an extremely witty and intelligent show - which is why it's not on American television. Click on the link to find some clips of your own!

11.) The Singing Saw - Frosty The SnowmanFrom the great album of Christmas favorites played by the Singing Saw and his friends with Julian Koster supervising.

12.) The Continentals - The Inexcelsis PolkaProbably the best track from this compilation, this melds "Angels We Have Heard On High" into a swinging polka! And uh-one, and uh-two... Last heard on the 2002 Christmas CD.
13.) The Three Stooges - Excerpt from "Blunder Boys"From the last original short Moe & Larry did with Shemp - a clever spoof of Jack Webb's "Dragnet". One quick edit and presto!

14.) Tommy Edwards - It's Christmas Once AgainA wonderful smooth song from 1953 - I wanted to use this song in the Christmas Revue but couldn't find the sheet music in time.

15.) Jo Stafford - Christmas Is The SeasonThis song got bumped from the 2006 Christmas CD. I rediscovered it this year - it's a fantastic song! Click here to read my review of this album!

16.) Lorne Greene - Christmas Mail Early PSAFrom a 1969 album of PSAs sent to radio stations courtesy of the United States Postal Service.

17.) Son of Svengoolie - Return To SantaTo those unfamiliar with Chicago TV, Svengoolie has been hosting horror movies off and on for the better part of 30 years. I grew up watching this guy - which explains a lot. Click on the link to see some of his handiwork. BERWYN???

18.) Steve Ivings - The Twelve Days Of ChristmasFirst heard in 1981 on the Dr. Demento Show, I was thrilled to find a MP3! Even wondered what this song would have sounded if Foster Brooks, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Walter Cronkite, Richard Burton, Liberace, Brando as Vito Corleone, Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo, Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter", James Cagney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Paul Lynde recorded it? Now you know!

19.) The Beatles - Christmas Fan Club Message Montage (Mixed by Rob Martinez)From 1994 to 2003, I had featured the seven Beatles Fan Club Christmas messages on my tapes. For this version originally created for the 2003 Christmas CD, I decided to edit each message down to around one minute in length and string them all together in one montage.
20.) The Fab Four - Jingle BellsA cut-above-the-rest tribute band performs "Jingle Bells" in the style of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows".

22.) Steve Taylor - Winter WonderlandTaylor fuses "Winter Wonderland" and mariachi music to dynamic results! Believe or not, it was recorded for a Christian Christmas comp! My second all time favorite version of this song!
23.) Raul Malo - Silver BellsA tango tempo to start (TANGO?) and alternate some swingin' Louis Prima breaks in the middle, and you get one incredible Christmas song from the mind of Malo.
24.) Bob Hope & John Wayne - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / "Mr. Sun Time" radio jingle The duet between the Duke and Ol' Ski Nose was from a 1970s Christmas special - one of thousands. The radio jingle was a tack on.

25.) The Three Suns - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It SnowThe Suns' rip it up in their own inimitable style. Chosen from their 1959 Christmas album - still one of the five best Christmas albums of all time.

26.) Los Straitjackets - God Rest Ye Merry GentlemenSurf guitar instrumental from these guys who originally formed in Nashville, TN and wear Mexican wrestling gear at their live shows. Yep! Roc!

28.) Seymour Swine - Blue ChristmasThis Porky Pig soundalike (voiced by Denny Brownlee on the John Boy & Billy radio show in 1980) remains one of the funniest Christmas novelty tunes ever. My daughters heard this on the radio last year and died laughing - why it's here.

29.) Substance W - A Visit From St. NicholasA retelling of "The Night Before Christmas" with great background music and Hanna-Barbera sound FX. My son just rolls on the ground with laughter with this one - why it's here!
30.) Generic 1956 Merry Christmas Theater Spot (featuring Thurl Ravenscroft)From a collection of intermission spots and trailers from the good folks at Something Weird Video.

31.) Ambrose Haley & His Ozark Ramblers - Old Timey ChristmasThis is a great old-school Christmas country song whose melody will get trapped in your skull after hearing it. Given to me by my best friend Joel - what a find! Available on the 2008 Christmas Yuleblog Sampler (click link).

32.) Wilf Carter - Christmas Time In CanadaI've tried three times in the last seven years to find a spot on my annual CD for this little ditty. And after my Canadian friend Jeff Fox created this year's artwork, there was no question that this would make the cut. Hope you liked it Jeff!

33.) Christmas messages from Mayor Tommy Shanks and Frank SinatraSolemnity in its purest forms... The Sinatra intro came from a 1976 U.S. Army Reserve album.

34.) DJ Schmolli - Back Door Santa Getting It OnOne of the first Christmas mash-ups I ever heard. Take "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" by T Rex, "Back Door Santa" by Clarence Carter, and "KLF" snatches of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston and mix vigorously!

35.) Voicedude - It's The Little ThingsThe only recorded output by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra that I can tolerate is their rework of Pachabel - "Christmas Canon". Voicedude takes the vocal from Blink 182's "All The Small Things", adds it to the mix, and it works brilliantly.

36.) Cary can paint, Deborah can walk, and Rob can talk...While the final music from the final scene of "An Affair To Remember" plays, I say a few words to end and commemorate my 25th annual Christmas CD.

37.) Excerpts from "Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam"In the second act of the Christmas revue I compiled, we chose four Christmas letters home written by soldiers from the Civil War, WW I, WWII, and Vietnam to be read by actors. This is the source of the Vietnam letter we used.

38.) Outro - short versionI edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.

Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.

5.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - Jerry LewisThe Big Sound marketed themselves to radio stations in the early 1960s with big name celebrities announcing the time, informing you how many shopping days left on the calendar, and Christmas Greetings.

6.) Molly Bee - Willy Claus (Little Son Of Santa Claus)Our friend Ernie shared this one about one year ago - this song got stuck in my head for nearly a week. Molly was 13 years old when she recorded this in 1952 - she's 69 now and has her own MySpace page.

7.) Fred Travalena - Son Of SantaA master impressionist who wrote and sang an original Christmas album (read my review here). This song features some impressions of DeNiro, Pesci, and The Rat Pack.

9.) Jimmy McGriff - The Christmas Song (TONAL Remix)We lost McGriff earlier this year and this track is dedicated to his memory. His Christmas album got a rave review from me - surprised?

10.) Marah - Holly Jolly ChristmasIn the 24 years I've been creating these Christmas tapes / CDs, I have never used this song - not a big Burl Ives fan. When I reviewed this album earlier this year, their version leapt from the speakers and never let go.

11.) Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In - Salute to the Christmas spirit (12-16-68)Dick Martin died earlier this year and since he didn't record any Christmas songs that I know of, I featured him with some repartee with his longtime partner Dan Rowan.

12.) Basil Rathbone - The Christmas SpiritThe Alcoa Hour first broadcast this television special in 1956 - Columbia released a soundtrack, it was finally released on CD in 2006, and I reviewed in early 2007. You normally don't associate the man who played Sherlock Holmes with Christmas but Basil does a remarkable job as a singing Scrooge.

13.) Phil Moore & The Phil Moore Four - Chincy Old ScroogeMy friend Martin Johns sent me an all-vinyl comp that yielded many gems - one of which was this 1953 R&B word jazz story of Scrooge. Tiny Tim said it best: God bless Stubby, one and all.

14.) The Ed Sullivan Show - George Carlin Christmas appearance, 1966Love him or hate him, Carlin always spoke the truth and his death earlier this year leaves us with no one worthy enough to fill his shoes.

16.) The Fabulous Fay McKay - ''12 Daze'' Of ChristmasIt was an immense privilege to speak with Fay about her Christmas album. When she died earlier this year, a friend of Fay's family chose my blog to announce her death. We'll miss you Fay.

17.) The World According To Garp - Debate over holiday glass eyesThe woman in this audio clip from the movie is Glenn Close in one of her earliest film roles. She played Robin Williams' mother!

18.) The Klaudt Indian Family - White ChristmasI was surprised to hear this great organ solo on this album - it fits in with the audio clip that precedes it.

19.) Marlin L. Ryan - It Came Upon A Midnight ClearI thought I had heard Christmas music on every conceivable instrument - kazoos, ukeleles, carillon bells, rubber bands, power tools, etc. Then this record came along with a factory steam whistle...

20.) The Bob Hope Pepsodent Show - Jerry Colonna describes Santa coming down his chimneyColonna was Hope's sidekick for the better part of 30+ years. This clip from one of Hope's radio show just worked perfectly with...

22.) Vincent Lopez & His Orchestra - Here Comes The Fattest Man In TownNo, not me. This album is extraordinary and I'm happy to have it in my collection. Yours too, I bet.

23.) Stan Freberg - Excerpt from "The Night Before Christmas"Uncle Stan prepares the kiddies for bed (with some help from yours truly).

24.) Stan Freberg - Green Chri$tma$You passed it on the way in... in case you missed it, here's a link to my appreciation of this masterpiece celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

25.) Brad Paisley - Kung Pao Buckaroo HolidayHow does one follow "Green Chri$tma$"? With a satire on political correctness from the Christmas album of Paisley's that does a bang-up job even Uncle Stan would be proud of.

26.) John Lennon (w Yoko Ono) - Happy New Year from JohnA quick clip from a Japanese radio show that Yoko appeared on in which John called into to say "Happy New Year".

28.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - New Year's Eve production with Mitzi Gaynor & Steve AllenProducers of this album edited together dozens of celebs for this track; "Hi, this is Bobby Darin", "Hi, this is Gogi Grant", etc. to wish all the listeners a Happy New Year.

29.) Contra Costa Health Services - The Flu Song (PSA)"Wash your hands, wash your hands, flu season is here..." I'll never think of "Jingle Bells" the same way in a public restroom.

30.) Martinn - Brave Bells Of ScotlandTake the versions of "Jingle Bells" by Crosby & The Andrew Sisters and Frank Sinatra, speed them up, speed them down, add some bagpipes, and even a little Janis Joplin, and you'll get this. Bravo Martinn, bravo!

31.) Mojochronic - Yuletide ZeppelinWho would have thunk that Led Zeppelin and Christmas music would sound damn good? Mojo did and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. Pure genius Mojo!

32.) 2008 playlist rundownI give the playlist very much like what I just typed out...

3.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 1The first attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - it isn't as easy as it sounds! From my friend Martin Johns aka Stubbyfears - thank you sir!

5.) U.S. Postal Service - Easy Holiday Season PSAStubby and I swapped copies of Postal Service Christmas albums - thanks again Martin!

6.) Granddaddy - Alan Parsons In A Winter WonderlandMy brother Chris has always been an Alan Parsons fanatic (he outspends me on eBay for Parsons stuff - OMG) and this one was for him.

7.) Wild Man Fischer - I'm A Christmas TreeRock music's only certifiable manic depressive paranoid schizophrenic with a 19 second Christmas song. He later did a duet with Dr. Demento on the same song and there is no truth to the rumors Fischer has an unreleased FULL Christmas album.

8.) Ginny Gibson - Lonely Little Christmas TreeI had taped this off an NPR show way back in the day and lost it in the apartment fire. Al Aitchison to the rescue!

9.) Fernand Gignac - Noël Blanc / Petit Papa NoëlMy good friend Jeff of Jeffco Productions sent me this in our annual swap of Christmas packages - a promo CD from Sears available in Canada only. Very nice French version of "White Christmas"!

10.) Gary Owens - Preparation H Christmas commercial (complete)RadioJonD aka Jonathan Melton passed this one my way and where he got the unedited complete version of this, I'll never know. This was the most talked about track of this comp amongst my family and friends - thanks Jon!

11.) Carey Bell - Christmas TrainYou may have never heard about Bell but in Chicago, he can walk on the Chicago River (yeah, it's that dirty). Amazing harmonica Christmas blues!

13.) DJ John - The Christmas Massacre Of Charlie BrownI would have voted for this remix of all things Charlie Brown Christmas as possibly the best Christmas mash-up to be produced. That is until...

14.) DJ BC - Imagine SantaMixing the Jackson Five's "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and John Lennon's "Imagine", this one easily gets my vote as the best Christmas mash-up to be produced (subject to change).

15.) Mel Brooks - 1978 Christmas Seals PSAFrom one of the six vintage Christmas Seals albums in my collection - we listen in as Mel tries to record a Christmas Seal promo without much "schtick".

16.) Robert C. Pritikin - I Sawed Mommy Kissing Santa ClausLeave it to Otis Fodder to send me this version played on the musical saw! Thank you Mr. Fodder!

17.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 2The second attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - they're getting better.

18.) Richard Cheese - Last ChristmasI reviewed this CD earlier this year - this track is 20 seconds long because Cheese stops the song because in his words "this song sucks. Next!"

19.) Swingerhead - I'll Be Home For ChristmasLoungey, surf-guitary, exotica version of this Christmas classic - this whole album is a trip, baby.

20.) Mr. Sun Time - Holiday radio jingleFrom one of the many vintage Christmas radio jingles in my collection.

21.) Eilart Pilarm - Blue ChristmasThis is the only Christmas track on the Christmas album from Sweden's foremost Elvis impersonator... actually Sweden's ONLY Elvis impersonator.

25.) Sneakers - Whistler's wish for peace on earth, good will to menAudio clip from the 1992 tech comedy-thriller. Very timely clip - especially in 2006.

26.) Titus Turner - Christmas MorningI had never heard this soulful 1952 R&B before this year - packs a mighty wallop!

27.) Scott Marks - Discussion on the 9-hour DVD set of "The Bob Hope Christmas Specials"My former film school professor in Chicago ended up in San Diego as a film critic. This is how he ended a podcast from KPBS that looked at Christmas movies.

28.) Steve Ivings - The Twelve Days Of ChristmasFirst heard in 1981 on the Dr. Demento Show, I was thrilled to find a MP3! Even wondered what this song would have sounded if Foster Brooks, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Walter Cronkite, Richard Burton, Liberace, Brando as Vito Corleone, Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo, Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter", James Cagney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Paul Lynde recorded it? Now you know!

29.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 3The third attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - he almost has it down!

34.) The Ramsey Lewis Trio - Santa Claus Is Coming To TownGreat tune from a CD that I found in the same city where it was recorded - Chicago (click for review). The last Christmas CD purchased from the once-mighty Virgin Superstore on Michigan Ave..

35.) The 5.6.7.8's - Rock-N-Roll SantaChristmas rock single from the all-girl group who gave us the cover of "Woo-Hoo" heard in "Kill Bill" and all them Vonage commercials.

37.) Fred Wilson, FBI - What's This?I hate "The Nightmare Before Christmas" but this cover actually worked for me - shows you how disoriented I was when I made this comp. Sent to us from Mark Grant - Mark, please contact me at the P.O. Box!

38.) Relient K - Twelve Days of Christmas bonus trackHeavy metal chipmunks? Still trying to figure this one out...

39.) Korla Pandit - O Holy NightPandit had a way of making even the pipe organ sound haunting - you'll hear this one in your sleep.

40.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 4The fourth and final attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - and he nails it! Mele Kalikimaka!

41.) 2007 playlist rundownI give the playlist very much like what I just typed out...

42.) Miss Gloria Parker - Silent NightA virtuoso performance played on the musical glasses - do not play this if you have dogs in your house.

43.) Outro - short versionI edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.

Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

1.) 2006 introIn the cassette days, I used Santo & Johnny's "Twistin' Bells" for the intro - I chose that version to lead off 2006.

2.) President and Mrs. George W. Bush - Dubya's telling of "The Night Before Christmas"Someone online grabbed the audio feed from a White House event that had Bush stumbling over the book... very little editing... :)

3.) El Vez - Santa Claus Is Sometimes BrownWicked re-working of "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" from the Mexican Elvis. El Vez has several other Christmas releases out there that I need to pick up.

5.) Stan Freberg - Excerpt from "Christmas Dragnet (Yulenet)"Grudge doesn't believe in Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, Columbus, Cleveland, or Cincinnati. He hasn't made his mind up on Toledo...

6.) Billy May (w Thurl Ravenscroft) - Do You Believe In Santa Claus?Perhaps the best song to come off the third installment of "Christmas Cocktails". My kids and I crack up at the ending every single time.

7.) Tiny Tim - Zoot, Zoot, Zoot Here Comes Santa In His New Space SuitThe saying states "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it." After searching forever, I finally found this obscure Christmas song from Mr. "Tiptoe Thru The Tulips". I didn't know it was disco...

8.) SCTV - Excerpt from "Liberace's Christmas Special"With Liberace (Dave Thomas) playing the piano, Orson Welles (John Candy) tries to recite "Good King Wenceslas" - he ends up quoting the famous "Frozen Peas" outtakes and storms off the set. Hilarious!

9.) Twelve Girls Band - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)From the very first CD I ever reviewed here at the yuleblog. Yes, there's 13 girls on the cover but no one got the inside joke of this one from the all Chinese girl band.

10.) Petty Booka - Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (Japanese version)This CD features two version of "Rudolph" - one in English, and this one in their native tongue. Another album I reviewed here two years ago.

11.) Family Guy - "A Peter Griffin Christmas"I didn't get this audio clip from any of the DVDs - found it floating around online. My friend Joel later gave me the first two seasons on DVD but it wasn't on that collection. Season four...

12.) Chris Isaak - Christmas On TVA great Christmas original - slow, country feel with lots of longing. I'm surprised this didn't get better radio airplay the first year (or the second, or the third). Why didn't I review this one?

13.) The Christmas Jug Band - Christmas Time Is HereThe week after my apartment fire in Toledo back in 1996, I went to Blockbuster Music and listened to "Somebody Stole My Santa Claus Suit" and laughed for the first time before the fire. This one's almost as good.

14.) The Marx Brothers & Frank Ferrante - "there ain't no Sanity Clause..." / "Have you heard that one?"Two clips in one - the first comes from the Brothers Marx, the second from the foremost Groucho impersonator of this generation who I met (and became friends with) through my best friend Joel.

18.) Leadbelly - Christmas Is ComingLegendary blues artist who warns us of the impending arrival of December 25 - manages to get it done in 1:08!

19.) The Rev. Edward W. Claybourne - The Wrong Way To Celebrate ChristmasFrom Dust-To-Digital's breathtaking collection of R&B and blues 78s from 1917 to 1959 - if you're a serious Christmas music collector, you need this CD.

20.) Sugar Boy Crawford - White ChristmasFrom the first bouncy notes, you're hooked until the final flourish of sax, drums, and guitar. A song guaranteed to get repeated listens.

21.) Thomas A. Edison - Christmas GreetingA clip from a 1920 promo recording entitled "Holiday Greetings from the Bunch at Orange", the inventor of the light bulb and the phonograph wishes you Merry Christmas.

22.) Belton Richard - Please Come Home For ChristmasThis Charles Brown song takes on an extra warmth when sung and played in Cajun.

24.) American Comedy Network - Holiday Disclaimer"The presents you are about to receive were purchased by a bunch of maxed out, overstressed individuals who were so busy that they had no idea what you want and really don't care. Any present that you receive is actually your size or in the color you like is a mistake. What we're trying to say is 'have another eggnog, listen to "White Christmas" one more time, and don't let your hopes get too high.' " - Now trying saying that in 10 seconds flat!

25.) American Comedy Network - This Present Is Just CrapSinatra impersonator sings this parody to the tune of "The Lady Is A Tramp" - my mom LOVED this track. That explains a lot about me.

31.) Larry Nestor - Santa Doesn't Smoke AnymoreNo one remembers the 19th century Thomas Nast Santa who smoked a pipe, looking like he just came off an opium jag. After hearing this song, I went off cigarettes as well - and I don't smoke!

32.) Rev. Horton Heat - Santa On The RoofI reviewed this CD in the first month of this blog's existence - the time flies just a little slower than this power packed song!

33.) Stan Freberg - Excerpt from "Christmas Dragnet (Yulenet)"Grudge finally believes in Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, Columbus, Cleveland, or Cincinnati. He hasn't made his mind up on Toledo... read all about my apartment fire and you'll know I've made MY mind up on Toledo.

34.) The Rhodes Kids - Santa Loves Rock-N-Roll MusicFeatured at FLLLL, I reviewed this great 1970s album (you can hear the shag carpeting). Surprising stuff in more ways than one.

36.) Johnny Mercer - Winter Wonderland (Rise Ashen's Brazilian Beach Mix)Take an old radio broadcast of this song, add Brazilian percussion and a strong beat, and presto! You get a cool, regrooved Christmas song.

Friday, July 25, 2008

2.) Harry Goodman Jingles - 27 days 'til ChristmasFrom side one of a 16" radio transcription record (red vinyl no less) that I found on eBay. Since this wouldn't fit on my turntable, I had this professionally transferred to CD.

3.) The Chipmunks - The Chipmunk SongUsing my Sound Forge software, I slowed all the Chipmunk parts down to half-speed so you can hear how Ross Bagdasarian originally sung it - then sped it up!

4.) The Magic of Bing Crosby - Bing denies his family permission to sing "White Christmas"The end to one of Bingle's early 1970s Christmas specials, he later denies Robert Goulet the priviledge. Eventually all get to sing the song and fade to black.

14.) Mabel Scott - Boogie Woogie Jingle BellsThis song holds the distinction for being used more often on my Christmas CDs than any other song. I stated six times on the playlist rundown but it's actually five - 1989 / 1993 / 1996 / 2001 military mix / 2005.

15.) Pee-Wee Herman Christmas Special - Pee-Wee leads Christmas CarolsI tried showing this to my children last year - they were flummoxed at first, then bored. They preferred to watch "Ben 10 Alien Force" instead.

16.) John "Bowtie" Barstow - Joy To The WorldThe world's foremost tone-deaf singer released his Christmas album in 2004. I used an excerpt of his "Do You Hear What I Hear" (irony) back on the 2002 edition.

17.) Laffy - Dance Of The Sugar Plum FairyA woman literally laughs her way through this song. Now imagine an ENTIRE Christmas album exactly like this.

18.) WKRP In Cincinnati - Dr. Johnny Fever bemoans Christmas musicTaped off a TV broadcast, I couldn't wait for the day "WKRP" was released on DVD. When it came out, they cut all traces of all the classic rock they played on the original broadcasts because they didn't want to pay the licensing. Needless to say, there's no release date announced for season 2.

19.) Sy Mann - Angels We Have Heard On HighFrom the classic "Switched On Santa" Moog album, this is as fresh as the day it was recorded.

20.) The 8-Bit Peoples - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It SnowWant to know what Christmas music sounds like off old video game consoles like the Atari 2600? Click on their link to get this and the rest of the album totally FREE.

21.) Harry Goodman Jingles - 14 days 'til ChristmasFrom side two of a 16" radio transcription record (red vinyl no less) that I found on eBay. Since this wouldn't fit on my turntable, I had this professionally transferred to CD.

22.) The Swingle Singers - The Twelve Days of ChristmasThese amazing accapella singers get this traditionally long song done in less than three minutes. Yeah, wow!

23.) Barbara Feldon - 1975 Christmas Seals PSAAgent 99 gives such a breathy reading that you begin to wonder if she suffers from a respiratory disease.

24.) Fred Lowery - O Little Town Of BethlehemThe Blind Whistler strikes again - click on the link to read more about the greatest whistling artist of them all.

25.) The Kickin' Kazoos - O Come All Ye FaithfulTaken from an entire Christmas album of kazoo music. Amazing what a little wax paper and plastic can produce.

26.) Reno & Smiley - Frosty The SnowmanTrue old-school country full of twang, harmonies, and drawls. Great stuff.

27.) Are You Being Served? - Mr. Humphries suggests a Christmas glee club to boost salesHe even suggests "Good King Wenceslas" that Mr. Granger shoots down. Segue to...

29.) 1919 Steinway Upright Player Piano - (There's No Place Like) Home For The HolidaysMy wife's aunt Julie found this cassette for me from her library in Dayton - thankfully, I was still able to order this CD when it was in print!

31.) American Comedy Network - Tired Of "The Hannukah Song"For the first half of this decade, Adam Sandler's ode to Jewish stars was played ad nauseum on Christmas radio. It's eased up quite a bit, but ACN's answer was right on the mark.

32.) Louis Prima - Santa, How Come Your Eyes Are Green When Last Year They Were Blue?The B-side to "Senor Santa Claus" - King Louie's 1966 Christmas single for Uncle Walt Disney.

33.) DJ BC - Reverend Linus RemixThe first mash I ever heard using the Peanuts gang. It wouldn't be the last (see 2007 playlist).

34.) Big Bag Voodoo Daddy - Mr. Snow Miser / Mr. Heat MiserThe original songs from "The Year Without A Santa Claus" can stand on their own two feet. Given the full Voodoo Daddy treatment, this version sw-aaaa-ngs!

35.) 1970 USPS Mail Early Program - Jack Webb PSASgt. Friday asking you to mail early - reading the facts like a bailiff reading charges in court. For more on Jack Webb and Christmas, check out this yuleblog entry.

35-T.) Rob's message to the First Presbyterian Theater groupDedicated to Maya Grace Scribner who was adopted from China by my friends Joel and Samantha and was celebrating her first Christmas in the USA.

36.) Bing Crosby - The First Noel (Attaboy House Party Mix)Not a mash-up, but a re-mix. Not as clever as the mash-ups but almost as satisfying.